French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 3-5
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Deluxe Hotels
French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 3-5
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Deluxe Hotels
2026: Jul-Sep 2027: Jun-Sep
Epic Alpine Adventure from Chamonix to Mont Blanc
Breathtaking landscapes? Check. Historic chalets? Absolutely. Farm-fresh cheeses and hearty Alpine cuisine? You bet! On this high-altitude adventure, pink-tinged alpenglow casts its magical light over mountain culture at its finest.
Highlights
- Discover the heart of the Alps on this once-in-a-lifetime trek beneath rugged snow-dusted peaks
- Get to know the region’s historic towns, from Italy’s irresistible Courmayeur to the famed French mountaineering center of Chamonix
- Revel in majestic mountain views as you gaze over the dramatic escarpments and snowfields of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest summit, which rises nearly 16,000 feet into the clouds
- Traverse a part of the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, through a striking expanse of rocky terrain and blue-hued ice
- Hike a section of the famed Tour du Mont Blanc through the Val Ferret, a bucolic glacial valley filled with wildflowers and grazing cows
Start/End Geneva
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Kick off your adventure with a lovely day spent in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, tracing the crystal clear Arve River through tall pine forests and magnificent mountain scenery • In the evening, stroll through charming Chamonix • Board the Mont Blanc Express for a scenic ride to Vallorcine, a charming French village near the Swiss border • A picturesque gondola ride carries us high above the tree line • Wander through fields of wildflowers and past turquoise Alpine lakes with incredible views of the mountains in all directions • Be awed by the grandeur of the Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses • Soak in the vibes of lively mountain town Chamonix while eating a delicious meal at a local eatery
Nights 1-2
Built in 1840 and exuding mountain charm, this local landmark was the first grand hotel in Chamonix. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Day 3
A ride on the historic Montenvers Cog Train brings us to the starting point for the day’s adventures • Head out with your mountaineering boots and crampons for an exciting glacier walk led by expert guides • Alternatively, climb along beautiful mountain paths from Chamonix to Montenvers • Feel as though you have the Alps all to yourself while you sip an apéritif and watch the sunset from our secluded high-altitude oasis
Night 3
Wake up to a panorama of the Mer de Glace and Aiguille des Drus in this 19th-century mountaineering landmark that once hosted Victor Hugo, George Sand, Charles Dickens and Napoleon III.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 4-6
Admire the Aiguille du Midi, a needle of rock looming at 12,777 feet • Pause to soak in vistas of majestic Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak • Walk on a balcony trail with gorgeous views overlooking the Chamonix Valley • Explore Val Ferret, a lush section of the Italian side of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) • Sip a cappuccino at a friendly rifugio (high-elevation hut) • Fly over glaciers and peaks as you cross the border between Italy and France by gondola • Hike a portion of the Tour du Mont Blanc, considered one of the best in the world • Dine on nourishing Northern Italian cuisine • Feel at home in the region’s unique and irresistible mountain culture • Visit lively Courmayeur and relax at our cozy Alpine retreat.
Nights 4-5
Sophisticated style with a warm yet minimalist aesthetic is paired with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and a rugged mountain landscape. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
This trip has an activity level range of 3-5
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
We ordinarily staff our trips with two Backroads leaders, plus one or more support leaders who are generally responsible for van support. Due to our lower reliance on driving during this trip, we’re able to offer our usual high level of support without the help of a support leader.
Many of our hikes through the Alps are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles (or mountain infrastructure like gondolas) will get us to and from the trailheads, but due to the nature of these trails, we won’t see support vans along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.
While the summer months in this region tend to be warm and sunny, the weather in the mountains can still be unpredictable. Careful packing is essential for your comfort and overall enjoyment. Be prepared to carry multiple layers each day of the trip—warm base layers, a windbreaker, a rain jacket and rain pants, and even a down jacket, hat and gloves for our day hiking on the glacier.
While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and are ideally located for exploring the Alps, please note that some of them are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
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